Pike permitted himself a faint smile before answering, appreciating the trust Saru placed in him. Discovery truly is a second home, and her crew is as cherished as Enterprise's. Before continuing, he activated a privacy screen around the biobed. "A human third date is a euphemism for a couple's first physically intimate experience." He immediately added, "Together."

Saru sat in the chair beside his Captain. "Physical? Holding hands?"

Pike shook his head and corrected, "Mating."

"Then why did not Kayleigh … I mean Commander Jordan … why did she not state her request comprehensively and with clarity?"

"Uh … I don't know, perhaps speaking in roundabout terms was her way of avoiding embarrassment for you both? How would the offer be presented in your culture?" Pike asked.

"It would not. The Kelpien feel no sexual desire. The act is considered a serious, even onerous duty for procreation and nothing more. It is certainly not sought out as a recreational pursuit."

"I see. Humans, in fact many species view that differently," Pike said.

Saru remained silent. He brushed imaginary lint off his shoulders, he tugged his uniform jacket down, he smoothed the pants over his thighs.

Pike broke the silence. "May I ask a personal question?"

"Of course sir."

"First, we're off duty and speaking of private matters. Perhaps you will call me Chris?"

The expression on Saru's face spoke plainly.

"OK, let's start by dropping the sirs. Here's my question. You have traveled a road forbidden all contemporary Kelpien. Post Vahar'ai … have your … feelings … towards sexual intimacy changed?"

Saru drew his head back and straightened his shoulders. "Yes sir. I desire to give her a good rogering."

"O…kay. That is … not the best way to speak of the subject when you are with Commander Jordan."

"Instead I should?"

"Avoid the urban slang. Keep it simple, not too clinical, and … focus on the emotions as much as the act." Unbeknownst to his Captain, Saru took notes on his PADD. Pike continued, "Don't overlook your own culture's mores, even if it is not sought out, your mating practices must have means of touch or rituals your people find pleasant. Ah … are you and Commander Jordan physiologically compatible?"

"Male and female Kelpien reproductive anatomy is similar to their human counterparts. Though size may be an issue, but not an insurmountable one." Saru continued explaining in vivid and precise detail and then asked. "And what textbook did you study?"

"Excuse me?"

"To prepare for your first time. What materials did you consult? What techniques should I learn?"

"I … sort of went with the flow," Pike admitted reluctantly.

"And was she, he, it, or they impressed?"

"Nope, not really."

"Captain, you are slightly flushed, should I summon Dr. Pollard?"

"Definitely not. No need," Pike quickly replied.

"Very well. For your second time then, after a less than optimum performance during the first, how did you prepare?" Saru queried, his stylus poised to record the pertinent information.

Pike chuckled. "I was fifteen. There was no planning, nor forethought. It was over … in a flash."

"What is the accurate definition of a flash?"

"A few moments," Pike replied in a sheepish tone.

"Captain, your cheeks are somewhat pink again. If you are not experiencing a fever, which is common after severe dehydration and with the lingering pneumonia you contracted, have I spoken out of turn? You appear to be obfuscating."

"Not intentionally. I was a teenager, you are an adult; the situations are very different," he reassured his XO and then reconsidered. Maybe not, for Saru, puberty hormones and their accompanying physical exploration began only a few weeks ago. Pike sorted through possible responses. "Every partner is different. Researching techniques will only get you so far. Keep your attention focused on her. Remember the things she likes, move on from the things she doesn't, avoid overstimulation."

"How will I perceive if my ministrations are welcomed or disliked?"

"Trust me; if you are paying attention you will know. And trust yourself. Let it come naturally."

Saru frowned and then remembering Pike could not see his facial expressions said, "This is perplexing. Additional information would be welcome."

"Your timings will be different, plan for that. I may be old fashioned, but I try to keep the box score in her favor."

"Box score?" Saru thought, Do humans ever say what they actually mean?

"A reference to an old Earth game, baseball. Two teams, the object of play is to score runs."

"I see. Scoring is also one of those euphemisms for intercourse, is it not?"

"Yes, it is. But in this case the important bit is providing a run."

"Which is a euphemism for?" Saru asked with exaggerated patience.

"A climax."

"And if she requests nontraditional pleasuring?"

"Let's save that conversation for another day," Pike suggested letting out the breath unintentionally held when the Kelpien acquiesced.

Saru rose from the chair. The movement automatically released the privacy shield. "Your attention in this matter is appreciated sir. As is your guidance. Still … I feel most confident after in depth preparation; I do my homework. Much Terran literature as well as media is devoted to sex. Instruction manuals must exist as well."

Pike rubbed his chin. "There may be others; however, I remember an ancient text named Kama Sutra going through a revival when I was at the Academy."

Within an hour, via the lightening fast grapevine, the book became the main topic of conversation ship wide.